REVIEW: Diet Cig – Swear I’m Good At This (Album)

The hotly anticipated release Swear I’m Good At This from the duo, Diet Cig, is a somewhat new endeavour into the Pop Punk genre. It is due for release on April 7th via Frenchkiss Records.

Consisting of Alex Luciano (Guitars & Vocals) and Noah Bowman (Drums), Diet Cig show their unity and chemistry effectively in the creation of this album. The harmony between both members shows the relationship they share is very easy going. Extremely joyous and can be traced back to an innocent interruption that Luciano made when asking for a lighter at one of Noah’s shows in one of his former bands.

First and foremost credit is given where due. Since the 2015 EP, Over Easy, the sound has progressed by some margin. The progressions are less basic, and dilute. Even, Luciano has pushed her voice further since the previous instalment in their “heart on sleeve” musical journey. She projects with vibrant emotion, evoking the audience, giving true sincerity, and meaning to her voice. Steaming away from the “radio, safe and friendly”, softly sung approach.

The lyrical content seems to be somewhat conventional of the genre, and the experimentation of heartfelt lyrical motif’s are quite over used, but it does sit well and reflects the sound generated between Alex and Noah cohesively. Some of the accentuation on the vocals needs slight/subtle improvement. But this is only to ensure the delivery of these wisely created verses and choruses remain powerful at the correct time.

Sixteen starts off the Album with a slow grunge-y undertone, before kicking into a more upbeat, “get up and dance” progression. It still has a slightly, chilled feel, as the album can be used for relaxed and casual listening.

There is a great deal of satisfaction when hearing the line: “And you can keep all of your shit friends”. The rebellious feel and “well fuck you too” angst is utilized enough and in such great effect that it doesn’t feel too in your face or too patronizing.

As we press on with this Narrative supplied by Diet Cig, our patience is rewarded with a later chapter, dubbed: Bath Bomb. Commencing with a lovely acoustic introduction that soothes the ears, it is reflective of the lyric of laying in the cold bath. It’s moments like these that makes Luciano such a witty writer, adding depth and igniting the audiences imagination. Creating meaningful connections between each word to every visualization generated.

The production, engineering and mixing by Christopher Daly at Salvation Recording Co. in New Paltz, NY brings Diet Cig to life in such an intriguing way. And helps add to the instrumental dynamic. This is the real strong-point of this album and ties everything together in one, nicely finished package.

As constructive pointers. We hope the dynamic duo could one day find assistance and joy in the addition of another creative mind, to help brew something truly special in the future. As much as we have found a great deal of positives in this album, they need to take more diligence, creating a more honed craft. Pop Punk is a very over saturated genre, and does need something more outside the box to leave a mark and statement to their audience. They perhaps should return to the drawing board to review and reflect upon the sound they have generated. Making it more unique and distinctive. This will reward them in the long run when proceeding with their sophomore release.

This release would be something we would listen to on the odd occasion, but can’t wholly submit ourselves to. As Pop Punk fans, we all appreciate and respect this release and wish Alex and Noah an incredible tour and release when Swear I’m Good At This drops in just over a month and a half. We actively encourage anyone who enjoys Alternative & Indie music to give this a good listen when you’re looking to relax and wind down after a busy day.

REVIEW: Diet Cig – Swear I’m Good At This (Album)

Kyle Watson

February 21, 2017

6.5/10

Diet Cig show great promise for the future, but must show eagerness to excel in order to secure their name as a force to be reckoned with. A positive Pop Punk album a day, keeps the doctors away.

6.5Overall Score

Upbeat yet angst filled!

Diet Cig show great promise for the future, but must show eagerness to excel in order to secure their name as a force to be reckoned with. A positive Pop Punk album a day, keeps the doctors away.

Based in Coventry, born and raised, I am a Graphic Designer and Guitarist, expressing a deep love for music. As well as a passion for collecting CDs and Vinyl, supporting artists and live bands.
Ranging from Melodic Hardcore, Deathcore, Metalcore & Djent all the way to Pop Punk etc. there is a diverse range of music that I enjoy.